Feature Summary

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the middle step between tryptophan and neurotransmitter serotonin. Scientific evidence indicates that low serotonin levels are linked to a number of common conditions, including depression, obesity, headache/migraine and fibromyalgia. 5-HTP boosts serotonin levels and may offer a benefit in conditions linked to low serotonin levels.1

5-HTP may help patients unresponsive to standard antidepressant drugs and some evidence suggests it may be comparable, if not superior, to conventional antidepressants, with fewer side effects.2 Taking 5-HTP can also aid pain syndromes such as migraine and fibromyalgia.3 It is thought both conditions reflect a serotonergic defect. Fibromyalgia suffers have experienced improved symptoms including pain severity, morning stiffness, and sleeplessness with 5-HTP supplementation.3,4,5 5-HTP is known to increase sleep quality, which is critical in those patients suffering from depression or fibromyalgia. In fact, 5-HTP is known to promote and maintain sleep in normal subjects, as well as those experiencing insomnia.6

Research has indicated that 5-HTP may aid weight loss. Early animal studies indicated that genetically obese rats had decreased activity of the enzyme that converts tryptophan to 5-HTP and subsequently serotonin, allowing them to over eat.7 The same mechanism exists in genetically predisposed humans. By providing preformed 5-HTP, this genetic defect is bypassed and more serotonin is manufactured. Human clinical trials have corroborated that 5-HTP is able to reduce caloric intake, promote satiety and induce weight loss without conscious effort by subjects to lose weight.8,9,10

Recommended Use:

Recommended Adult Dose: Healthy Mood Balance: 1 caplet 3 times per day with food or as directed by a health care practitioner. To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, slowly increase up to the full dose over a period of 2 weeks. Use for a minimum of 1 week to see beneficial effects. Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 1 year. Sleep Aid: 1 caplet 1–2 times per day with food, 30–45 minutes prior to bedtime, or as directed by a health care practitioner.

Contraindications

Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or are taking carbidopa or drugs/supplements with serotonergic activity. Some people may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or drowsiness. Exercise caution if operating heavy machinery, driving a motor vehicle or involved in activities requiring mental alertness. Discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner if you show signs of weakness, oral ulcers or abdominal pain accompanied by severe muscle pain, if you experience skin changes, or if symptoms persist or worsen. Consult a health care practitioner if sleeplessness persists for more than 3 weeks. Do not use if you have scleroderma. Keep out of reach of children.

Drug Interactions

Combining serotonergic drugs such as antidepressants, dextromethorphan (in cough syrups), meperidine (Demerol), tramadol and others may increase the risk of serotonergic side effects such as serotonin syndrome.12 Combining 5-HTP and carbidopa-levodopa (Sinement®) can increase the risk of serotonergic side effects. Carbidopa is sometimes intentionally used with 5-HTP to minimize peripheral 5-HTP metabolism and boost the amount that reaches the brain. But this combination might also increase the risk of some side effects including hypomania, restlessness, rapid speech, anxiety, insomnia, and aggressiveness. The combination of 5-HTP and carbidoba has also resulted in scleroderma-like skin reactions.13,14 Individuals using this drug combination or those who suffer from scleroderma should be monitored by a health care practitioner. Anecdotally, 5-HTP may lower blood pressure and could be additive to antihypertensive drugs.